Term Two
Kia ora,
Last term, our teams visited schools across New Zealand to talk with students about their future study and career pathways. We’re now getting ready for a busy term ahead, including career expos, information evenings, and extension programmes such as Catalyst and Pacific Academy.
When presenting to your young person, we spoke about our Fast Track offers and sometimes these cause a bit of confusion. To clarify how this works, all your young person needs to do is apply to study with us - applications are now open.
From May, our Admissions team will begin reviewing applications. From mid‑May, eligible students may receive a Fast Track offer where applicable.
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Our 2026 Events
This year, we've developed an online calendar of all our flagship events, providing you and your young person with visibility of the year as early as possible.
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Waipapa Taumata Rau Parents Webinar
We want to ensure you and your rangatahi are set up for success and have all the tools to make the best decisions for your young person. To help you navigate the transition from school to university, this online webinar covered all things NCEA. Watch it on demand to learn more about:
- NCEA qualifications
- Requirements for meeting University Entrance and NCEA Level 3
- Level and subject endorsements
- Rank scores
- The importance of external exams in setting learners up for success
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Mānawa Mai Info Evening Online | 9 June, Open Day | 29 August
Is your young person curious about uni? This is the perfect place to start. Students can ask questions at Info Evening (online) and dive into the campus experience at Open Day (in person) - our biggest event of the year! Registrations are now open.
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Regional Information Student Evenings
We know that moving away from home is a big decision for both students and families. To help support you and your young person, our Regional Information Student Evenings (RISE) are in‑person events designed especially for learners and families based outside of Auckland.
RISE events are a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what studying with us could look like. You’ll have the chance to meet our faculty advisers, learn about scholarships and accommodation options, and hear directly from current students through a student panel.
These evenings are designed to help you feel informed and confident as you make decisions together. We’d love to meet you and welcome you along.
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Catalyst Wellington | 21 May
Our first ever Catalyst event is coming to Wellington! Catalyst Wellington is a two‑hour, in‑person session designed for high‑achieving Year 12 and 13 students who enjoy maths, science, and creative thinking. It offers students the chance to explore real‑world problem solving, experience university‑level learning, and learn more about engineering and other future study options.
Students will also make a meaningful first connection with Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, helping them better understand what studying at university could look like. Registrations close 7 May.
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Catalyst | 8-9 July
Catalyst is our flagship programme for high‑achieving students and will run in the upcoming school holidays.
Through a series of engaging, interactive sessions, Catalyst introduces high‑achieving year 12 students to the ways university research creates real‑world impact - spanning fields such as science, law, culture, and society.
It’s a great opportunity for students to explore their interests, experience university‑style learning, and be inspired by the ideas shaping our world. Registrations are now open - explore this year’s programme to find out more.
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Engineering and Design Info Evenings | 14, 21, 26 May
Is your teen interested in Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, or Design? Help them discover their possibilities at the 2026 Engineering and Design Info Evenings this May. Available online and in-person.
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Engineering: Her Student Experience | June 10
Join us on 10 June for a free event featuring a pizza dinner, designed for high school girls and their whānau. Hear directly from current students as they share honest, firsthand insights into studying each engineering specialisation at the University of Auckland. This is your chance to get a real, unfiltered perspective on what it's like to be a woman in engineering at UoA.
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Enginuity Day | July 16
Enginuity Day is a once-a-year opportunity for secondary school girls to explore the possibility of a career as an engineer during a day of activities at the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Engineering and Design.
To be considered for a sponsored trip to Auckland for Enginuity Day, your young person needs to have applied for Engineering.
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Young Scholars Programme
Do you have a high-achieving year 12 student ready for an extra academic challenge? The Young Scholars programme allows academically able students to study a university course while still at school in year 13. With applications opening in July, now is a great time to start planning and conversations at home. Students need to meet numeracy and literacy requirements ahead of the 8 December deadline. Confirmed 2027 courses will be available on our website when applications open in July.
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The NZ Economics Competition 2026
New Zealand’s largest economics challenge is back for secondary students. In 2024, more than 2,000 students from 57 schools took part in this fun and fast‑paced 50‑minute challenge, which tests both classroom learning and real‑world economic thinking.
Registrations close 25 May. Students who are interested should speak directly with their school about taking part.
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Māori and Pacific in STEM | Pacific Academy
Looking for extra maths and science support for your young person? Get free tutoring across 6 different Auckland locations. Registrations are now open for Term 2 and Term 3 support.
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Māori in Health | Whaka Piki Ake
Tauira Māori interested in a future health career are invited to join the Whaka Piki Ake journey. Whaka Piki Ake supports students while they are still at high school, helping them explore health pathways, build confidence, and work towards their future health career aspirations.
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Keep in the loop
Your young person can sign up to receive our latest updates. Students will receive invites to upcoming events, information on programmes of interest, key dates, scholarships, interesting stories, and more.
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Upcoming dates
- 2027 applications are open
- NZ Physics and Mathematics Competition registrations close | Sunday 26 April
- NZ Economics Competition registrations close | Wednesday 6 May
- Engineering and Design Info Evenings | Thursday 14, Thursday 21 and Tuesday 26 May
- Scholarship applications open | Wednesday 20 May
- Mānawa Mai Info Evening Online | Tuesday 9 June
- Scholarships Webinar | Tuesday 30 June
- Young Scholars Programme applications open | July
- Accommodation applications open | Saturday 1 August
- Scholarship applications close | Wednesday 12 August
- Mānawa Mai Open Day | Saturday 29 August
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Share our newsletter across your community
Build postsecondary pathway knowledge with your community by sharing our email with your network!
Thank you!
We know this term can be a busy one for families. With winter sports getting underway, school assessments ramping up and future pathways to start planning, there’s a lot for young people to juggle. We want to acknowledge and thank you for the ongoing support you give your young person during this time.
Please know we’re here to help - don’t hesitate to get in touch via the below contact details if you or your young person have any questions.
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Sign up to our newsletter mailing list
Were you forwarded our newsletter and want to join the mailing list?
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Pātai mai?
If you have any questions please reach out to your adviser, or email the office directly at SCET@auckland.ac.nz.
We hope you have a great break!
Schools and Community Engagement Team
Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland
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